Khor, TO, et al. Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.

Studies on curcumin (an extract of turmeric, Curcuma longa) and PEITC (a chemical found in broccoli) are being done because of low incidence of prostate cancer in parts of India where large amounts of curcumin (in curry) and broccoli are eaten. Previous studies have shown that these foods are beneficial against prostate cancer. The current study was done in mice.

In this study curcumin and PEITC, in combination, slowed prostate cancer in both preventive and treatment protocols, cancer cell growth was inhibited and apoptosis (cell death) was induced. Apoptosis is considered by some researchers to be the preferred way to eliminate abnormal cells.

Other isothiocyanates besides PEITC have proven to inhibit prostate cancer growth. This may be a common property of the isothicyanate compounds, such as sulforophane. These compounds are common in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, turnips, and water cress.

CONCLUSION: Curcumin and an extract of broccoli have been shown to be of benefit in prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.

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